Garnish of world, flourish
of medieval manuscripts,
you prance, one foot lifted,
head held high, through gold
and silver swirls. Bedecked
company to kings and queens,
chanter of wild entreaties—
wings slathered turquoise,
orange-splashed, and scarlet,
you cross empires and seas, fly
to forests deciduous. You caw and squawk
quick-witted cries.
Oh, blessed one, festooned
in layers of finest plumage—
come. Rest here, for a moment
on my wrist.
Tell me how you survive
this perishing world.